Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/81698
What's hot Get nervous about volun- teering for candidates? We have help for that! I f you can spend an hour or two in September, October or early November helping one of our recommended candidates walking a neighborhood, distributing leaflets, volunteering on Election Day, DSEA has training that will allay your fears and get you prepared. We're offering this training three times: • September 19 at the DSEA office in Dover • September 20 at the DSEA office in New Castle County, and • September 24 at Sussex Pines. Each training session is from 4:30- 6:30 and includes dinner. It's real training with information, model- ing and practice. And you'll be home at a decent hour! Choose one, and sign up by con- tacting Debbie Weaver at 1-866-734- 5834, or debbie.weaver@dsea.org. New plan for Medicare, Part D available for state retirees Y L ook in your August 31 pen- sion check for the newslet- ter with dates, times and locations of information presen- tations about this new change. On September 5, the Office of Pensions is sending advance noti- fication to Medicare-eligible pen- sioners who do not currently have prescription coverage regarding changes to the prescription plan, including the meeting schedule and enrollment form. Between September 18 and October 4, the State Office of Pensions will hold 29 meetings in all three counties. We encourage you to attend to learn more about this new pre- scription drug plan. Why is this important? Because Members who opt out will have no State prescription coverage. www.dsea.org Pre-notification materials will be mailed in mid-September from Express Scripts, the state's new insurance provider for prescrip- tions. This mailing will include a form to opt out of prescription cov- erage if you choose to. The deadline to return that form is October 8. A welcome kit will be mailed to approved retirees from Express Scripts, with your new prescription card. The new coverage begins January 1, 2013. Important reminders and considerations 1.If you opt out, you will have no State prescription coverage. 2.You will need to obtain new "prior authorizations" (PA's) after January 1, 2013 for existing medica- tions that require authorization. 3.After January 1, 2013, changes for approved members are permitted only with qualifying events until next enrollment period in October, 2013. 4.The new plan is called Express Scripts Medicare PDP (Part D Plan) for the State of Delaware. What happens if ... ... a member has other Medicare Part D coverage? The other Medicare Part D plan will automatically terminate January 1, 2013. ... a member later enrolls in other Medicare Part D coverage? The other coverage will termi- nate the State Medicare Part D pre- scription coverage as of the effec- tive date of the new coverage. ... a member opts out now, but later wants to re-instate the State pre- scription coverage? Unless there is a loss of other coverage, the member will need to wait for the next open enrollment. If a member does not enroll in another plan within two months of the disenrollment date, the member may incur a late enrollment penalty ... a member does not pay the required portion of the employee premium for the month? A letter will be sent each month the member does not pay the required portion of the premium, and coverage will be terminated when the premium is not paid for a 90-day period. Welcome new members! T hanks for joining your col- leagues in the Association. We can help you reach your professional and financial goals. Whether you are a public school teacher, education support profes- sional, retired educator, public health nurse, or a student prepar- ing to become a teacher, there is a place for you in this organization. You are now part of a strong, united team that's making a differ- ence for Delaware's children and families. Advocating for excellence in education and public service is what we are all about. Your mem- bership and involvement is a posi- tive investment in the public schools of America. In addition to this newspaper, you'll be receiving a periodic e-mail newsletter, Member Matters. But we're also available 24/7, on the web: www.dsea.org Volunteer for five hours during Election 2012 for DSEA-recommended candidates and we'll give you a new DSEA-logo hoodie. Start by attending a short training session in September. DSEA has an app! ou can't find it at an App Store, but if you put www.dsea.orgin the browser of your phone, the new APP will come up. You'll find it much easier to find what you want on the web page using this app. www.facebook.com/dseafan www.youtube.com/dseavideo www.flickr.com/photos/dsea "Like DSEA on Facebook for news, information, perspectives and conversations. September 2012 DSEA ACTION! 3